Srinivasa Kalyanamahotsavam at Ludhiana (Punjab)

       

On7th March I got a call from my sister to pack my bag and proceed with her to Ludhiana as we  were supposed to  translate the proceedings of the Srinivasa Kalyanam from Telugu to Hindi on the 9^th of March. It was just a telephone call from Hyderabad that prompted us to undertake this journey. But before proceeding we did get a call from Tirupati confirming the authenticity of the earlier telephone call.

We came to know that a group of ardent followers of Tirupati Venkateswara Swami (Balaji as he is fondly called by North Indians) all residents of Ludhiana decided to perform Kalyanam of the Lord Srinivasa and Padmavati .  They made elaborate arrangements to perform the Kalyanam at a huge ground where usually such religious functions take place.  The date was decided as 9th March. About a  hundred people arrived along with Ved Pundits, Lord Balaji with his consorts and all other support staff from Tirupati.

It is 8hrs. journey from Delhi. We somehow managed two tickets in Shane-Punjab and reached Ludhiana by noon on the 09.03.2015. We were graciously received by Mr.Puneet   Aggarwal at Ludhiana Ry.Stn. , taken to a very decent Hotel and after comfortably settling   us in the room he left with a promise to pick us up in the evening to the venue of           Kalyanam. We had our lunch took rest for some time.  By 5.30 Mr. Aggarwal sent us a   vehicle and we reached the venue. It was fully packed and with great difficulty we were led to the podium and were seated beside the Pundits. The whole stage was decorated with flowers. An attractive replica of the temple was put up with Padmavati and Srinivasa along with Garuda alwar.  The weather was slightly cold and there was cool breeze blowing.  I was very thankful to god for giving me such an opportunity.

We were fortunate enough to watch the Kalyanam of the Lord from such close quarters.  The arrangements were very elaborate. We took turns to explain the significance of the Padmavati Srinivasa Kalyanam, tying of the raksha bandhanam, ankurarpanam, mangala sutra dharana, exchange of mala, a ritual of playing with coconut as ball etc. amid the chanting of the Vedic mantras. All the 10 to15000 devotees were gives Prasad and dinner.

After shifting of the Gods to the bus, we were suddenly surrounded by a group of devotees who appreciated our work and clicked photos with us. Later on we were escorted to our hotel and Mr.Aggarwal was kind enough to make arrangements to drop us at the Bus station the next day. We left for Delhi contended of spending a memorable evening at Ludhiana. We whole heartedly thank all the organizers for their hospitality and the care they have taken to see that we were comfortable during our stay there.

                                       Jai Govinda